I have to agree with Dick,
Surely the whole point in gaining an advantage (in the futrure) with XML/EDI
it's to get rid of the third party (ie the VAN) and it's cost.
If we want to use XML/EDI and still use a van then we might as well use just
plain simple EDI.
However using the internet HTTP is how we will be able to get XML/EDI from
application to application.
One thing that does concern me however is the security of such a thing. As we
know allowing HTTP into our company's servers is not the safest way. I have
heard of a company called NETFISH which does something slightly different with
the HTTP. Is there anything else that can be used?..
regards
Paul
"Dick Brooks" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> on 30/06/2000 16:27:53
Please respond to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: "Richard Ward" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>,
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
cc: Paul Williams/Manchester/UK_/Kellogg@Kellogg,
[EMAIL PROTECTED], "'Mark Seaborne'"
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: RE: Are there really any benefits?.
Richard Ward wrote:
>Everyone needs VANs, whether they run as traditional VANs or over IP - a
>networking protocol doesn't change basic requirements. IP just opens up the
>competition to non-traditional VANs
I have to disagree with Richard that "Everyone needs VAN's". Plenty of
companies have moved off VAN's and onto the Internet (surely you're not
referring to the Internet as a VAN, are you?). The Natural Gas industry
moved from VAN's to the Internet starting in 1997, now virtually all EDI
traffic flows over the Internet. The electric industry is moving from VAN's
to the Internet, Healthcare companies are doing the same and it appears that
a large percentage of HIPAA EDI documents will also be carried by the
Internet!
>So Randy, yes EDI file formats may be allowed to die, but the VAN will live
>on doing the same job as before but wearing trendier clothes.
On a practical note, the VAN's will serve a purpose for the smaller trading
partners who don't have the resources/skills to operate their own E-Commerce
server. However the big players will have a hard time justifying a VAN when
they can communicate directly with their trading partners via the Internet.
E-Commerce is fast becoming a strategic part of corporate business
processes. Companies that want to control their own destiny will want to
control their E-Commerce servers. Whether you're talking about transferring
X12 transactions or online interactive services (e.g. airline reservations,
purchasing, et al) E-Commerce gives companies competitive advantage by
enabling them to offer "UNIQUE" and innovative services. None of the
companies I work with want to be at the mercy of a VAN when it comes to
their E-Commerce capability.
Dick Brooks
http://www.8760.com/
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